Which Cats Live the Longest? Can a cat live 20 years?

Cats, like people, have different genetic predispositions to specific diseases, which can help researchers better understand these diseases and find cures for them.

There are over 60 million pet cats around the world, and with their constant companionship, it seems like every household has at least one cat. One question often asked by cat owners is, which cat breeds live the longest?

25+ Cat Breeds With the Longest Lifespans

Tip

Since the cat’s nutrition is so crucial to its health and longevity, feeding it better quality food from the start will help ensure a long and healthy life. We recommend putting “Complete and Balanced” on the label of your feline’s food.

Make sure the protein source is clearly labeled in the ingredients list, preferable as the first item such as “chicken, turkey, lamb, or beef,” rather than just “meat.”

Breed Characteristics

Maximizing a cat’s longevity requires providing it with high-quality food, providing it with sufficient activity, and doing frequent wellness checks.

Different cat breeds don’t have different life expectancies due to any inherent qualities of their breeds.

A cat’s life expectancy might be cut short by the presence of an illness or other health problem that is more common in certain breeds.

Quite the opposite, because their genes are spread out more widely, hybrids may live longer than any of their parent breeds.

There is, however, consensus amongst experts that being an indoor cat is the single most important factor in a cat’s longevity. The dangers of automobile accidents, other cats, and illness are magnified for outdoor cats.

The typical lifetime of an indoor-only domestic cat is around ten years, but just two to five years for an outdoor-only cat.

Over 25 of the longest-living cat breeds are listed here.

1. Siamese

DIMENSIONS: 8-10 inches in height

DIMENSIONS: four feet ten inches by two feet nine inches by one foot

BODILY TRAITS: svelte build; almond-shaped eyes; a rounded, wedge-shaped head

The stunning Siamese is a magnificent cat breed that originated in Thailand and has intrigued humans for generations. It’s well-known for being sociable and loud in addition to being tall and distinctively marked.

While some individuals of the Siamese cat breed may experience dental and respiratory issues, these are the only major health concerns for the breed as a whole. Their typical lifetime is between 12 and 20 years.

2. Burmese

BOTTOM TO TOP: 10-12 INCHES

WEIGHT: Around 6-10 kg

Characteristics: a small, strong frame and round, golden eyes

The Burmese, descended from a little brown cat from Burma and a Siamese, is a friendly, outgoing, and energetic cat.

The Burmese is typically healthy, however the breed is predisposed to glaucoma and cranial abnormalities. Despite all of these health issues, the average lifetime of a Burmese person is between 16 and 18 years.

3. Savannah Cat

DIMENSIONS: 12-14 inches in height

TARE: Around 20 to 30 kg

OUTSIDE FEATURES: golden coat with black patches and bars; upright ears; tall, slim build

Because of its hybrid ancestry (African serval and domestic cat), the Savannah cat should only be owned by confident cat lovers. Even if they aren’t completely tamed, Savannah cats may still be social.

However, their personalities are often brash, restless, and unpredictable. The typical longevity of the hybrid breed is 12–20 years, and they tend to live longer than either of their parent breeds.

4. Egyptian Mau

DIMENSIONS: 8-10 inches in height

BULK: Around 8 kg

DESCRIPTIVE FEATURES: tall, lean build; emerald eyes; huge ears

The Egyptian mau is a stunning cat breed that got its name because it was frequently seen in ancient Egyptian art. These felines are accustomed to human company and act as though they have always belonged in the house.

Their usual lifetime is 12–15 years, despite the fact that certain members of the breed are predisposed to heart disease.

5. Ragdoll

SIZE: 9-11 inches

PROPER WEIGHT: 8-20 lbs.

OUTSIDE FACTORS: a semi-longhaired coat and blue eyes

The placid ragdoll has a natural tendency to adore its human caretakers and stick close by them at all times. Its “ragdoll” moniker comes from the fact that it relaxes completely when touched.

Although most cats of this breed live long, happy lives, a small percentage might develop bladder stones or heart illness. However, it has a lifetime of at least 15 years on average.

6. Balinese

SIZE: 6–7 inches

AVERAGE WEIGHT: 8-12 lbs.

DESCRIPTIVE FEATURES: a slim build, blue eyes, and a wedge-shaped head

The Balinese are thought to be descended from Siamese cats that randomly developed long fur. The length of the coat is the main distinction between the two breeds.

The Balinese share the Siamese’ outgoing personality, high energy, and love of conversation. It also wants to participate in family life. Depending on the specific breed, a canine of this age might live anywhere from 12 to 20 years.

7. Russian Blue

ROUGHLY 8-10 INCHES IN HEIGHT

AVERAGE WEIGHT: 8-12 lbs.

OUTSIDE FEATURES: blue-gray fur; green eyes; a triangular shaped, snoutless face

Russian blues are shy and reticent pets who are known to be loving but not clinging toward their human companions. This cat loves to lounge in the sun or examine its territory from a lofty perch.

Even though this breed has a lifespan of about 15–20 years on average because to health issues including bladder stones and eye difficulties, it is nevertheless quite resilient.

8. Bombay

ROUGHLY 8-10 INCHES IN HEIGHT

Weighing in at 8-15 kg

Physically, it has a muscular build, a round head, and a glossy black coat.

The Bombay’s small panther appearance was a goal throughout its breeding. They tend to be kind and loving. Not only do they like playing, but they also enjoy nothing more than to snuggle up on the lap of their favorite person.

Due to its narrow snout, the breed is predisposed to breathing difficulties, heart illness, and excessive tearing. It usually lives between 12 and 16 years.

9. American Shorthair

ROUGHLY 8-10 INCHES IN HEIGHT

TARE: Around 15 kg

Athletic frame; short, thick coat are some of the physical characteristics that characterize this animal.

The American shorthair, the purebred form of the domestic shorthair, is a favorite in households with kids due to its gentle nature and sociability. In general, these felines can amuse themselves and require little human interaction.

Playing with others and interacting with others is also highly valued. Many are heart disease susceptible despite their usually healthy lifestyles. On average, this breed lives between 15 and 20 years.

10. Sphynx

ROUGHLY 8-10 INCHES IN HEIGHT

FAT: Around 11-13 ounces

FEATURES AND DISTINGUISHING FEATURES: baldness; a wrinkly head; a slender frame

The Sphynx is a high-maintenance pet. In order to stay warm in the winter, these cats typically need to wear clothing. And regular bathing is required to get rid of the oil buildup on their skin.

There are a number of health problems common to the breed, including cardiac illness, neurological disorders, and skin problems. However, it still has a lifetime of 10–15 years.

11. Manx

The manx cat’s lack of a tail is one of its most defining characteristics. Historically, the lack of a tail in Manx cats was explained as a spinal mutation. But not every Manx is a snooty little thing.

The length of a Manx kitten’s tail is used to categorize the breed. Rumpy refers to individuals born without a tail, whereas rumpy riser refers to those born with a partial tail.

Manx kittens are classified as “stumpy” or “longy” depending on the length of their tail after birth.

Smart and sociable, Manx cats get along well with other pets. They are like dogs in many respects, including their attachment to their owners and their enthusiasm for cooperative games.

The most crucial thing to know is that their lifespan can easily exceed 15 years.

12. Oriental Shorthair

The Siamese is the ancestor of the Oriental shorthair, often known as an Oriental. The coat of an Oriental shorthair cat can have any one of more than three hundred different colors and patterns, giving each cat a one-of-a-kind look.

Their lovely personality stem from their Siamese ancestry, so it’s no surprise that they make great pets. Brilliant, inquisitive, and loving. The average lifespan of an Oriental cat is about 15 years.

13. Persian

The usual lifetime of this cute Persian cat is 15–20 years. In spite of appearances, these cats are loving and like cuddling up with their favorite persons.

Persian cats, like all other types of cats, are susceptible to a variety of health issues. If you have a Persian cat, you should take it in for checkups on a regular basis.

The Persian cat has an additional problem: they are notoriously messy. Daily brushing and combing will keep their fur from matting. The beautiful long fur of a Persian cat may become a major nuisance if it sheds frequently.

14. Egyptian Mau

The Egyptian Mau Catt is a beautiful animal whose name comes from its depiction in ancient Egyptian art.

Despite the fact that some members of the Egyptian Mau cat breed are predisposed to heart disease, the average lifetime of this breed is 12-15 years.

15. Nebelung

Rare in the domestic cat world, the Nebelung is a pedigreed species known for its large body, wide green eyes, and placid temperament.

These cats have a lifespan of 15–18 years since they are genetically related to the short haired Russian Blue breed.

16. Japanese Bobtail

Domesticated cats of the Japanese Bobtail breed are known for their great intelligence, cheerfulness, and warmth.

There is a 15-18 year lifespan for these cats with the characteristic rabbit-like tails.

17. Himalayan

The Himalayan cat is mostly quiet, yet it has playful moments.

Being a Persian offshoot means that this particular kitty will likely outlive its human companions by many years.

18. European (Celtic) Shorthair

Because they did not undergo any artificial selection throughout their development, the European Shorthair is considered a “natural” cat breed.

The average lifespan of a pedigreed European housecat is 15 years for its human owners.

19. Maine Coon

The Maine Coon is an accomplished hunter and a huge domestic cat breed with a striking look.

The average lifespan of a Maine Coon, the hardiest domestic cat breed, is well over 16 years.

20. Norwegian Forest

As a breed, Norwegian Forest cats may trace their ancestry back centuries, if not millennia.

The average lifespan of these huge, thick-coated cats is greater than 14 years.

21. Turkish Angora

The long, luxurious coat of the Turkish Angora is its most distinguishing feature.

The longevity of this old, all-natural cat breed is typically cited as being around 15 years.

22. Exotic Shorthair

If you want a Persian but can’t stand the prospect of daily grooming, the Exotic Shorthair is the cat for you.

This sturdy, medium-sized cat may live anywhere from 12 to 15 years.

23. Abyssinian

Abyssinians are incredibly elegant medium-sized cats with powerful, svelte builds and long, lean legs.

Adult Abyssinians often have their lively demeanor even beyond 15 years of age.

24. Toyger cat

Toygers are a relatively new type of cat that manage to combine the fierce appearance of tigers with the gentle temperament of housecats.

The average lifespan of one of these adorable stuffed tigers is anywhere between 12 and 15 years.

25. Somali

The Somali, or long-haired African cat, is the result of a recessive trait in Abyssinian cats.

These playful cats have a lifetime of up to 13 years and can be seen to be quite active.

26. Cornish Rex

This medium-sized cat has a distinctive look due to its oval head, curly whiskers, and short hair.

The average lifetime of the friendly and active Cornish Rex is 16 years, however it is not uncommon for this breed to live up to 20 years.

Breeds to Avoid

The average lifetime of a cat is around 15 years, however certain breeds live only a little less that.

The typical lifespan of a cat varies greatly depending on breed; the Manx only lives about eight to 14 years, while a Singapura may expect to see nine to fifteen years. The typical lifetime of a Munchkin cat is between 12 and 14 years.

FAQ

How old was the oldest cat in the world?

Creme Puff, a cat from Texas, is listed as the oldest cat in the Guinness Book of World Records despite several other contenders.

Can a cat live 20 years?

Yes! Although the average lifespan of a cat is around 15 years, some do make up to 20.

What cat breed has the shortest lifespan?

In comparison to other cat breeds, Sphinx cats appear to have a shorter lifetime, with an average of 8–14 years.

Conclusion

Which cats live the longest? Cats have some serious advantages when it comes to longevity. First of all, it is much easier for cats to avoid certain diseases than dogs.

Another thing is that cats tend to live longer than dogs. The average lifespan of a domestic cat is 12 to 14 years compared to 8 to 10 years for a dog.

source https://catshint.com/cats-live-longest/